We’re in kind of this weird limbo right now where we aren’t quite out of the woods yet, but there has been so much progress that people are eager to get out there and move on with their lives. And I get it. We’ve been cooped up for over a year at this point, with a lot less options for entertainment than ever before. While you might be getting excited to get life “back to normal,” hold off just a bit longer! In the meantime, these microadventures are safe, easy ways to boost your spirits when you need it most.
Sleep under the stars
Pack for your camping trip in a quick overnight bag and drive to an accessible spot — maybe a national park or other approved, safe campsite. Set up for the night and enjoy the stars. And if you don’t have a spot close to home for a weekend camping trip, your friend’s backyard might be all the change of scenery you need.
Try a sunrise picnic
A picnic can be so much more than eating an alfresco meal on a blanket. Simply changing the time of your picnic can completely change the experience. Leave home an hour or so before sunrise, take a tumbler of coffee and breakfast in a basket, then drive somewhere beautiful to greet the new day.
Visit a local farm
From pumpkins to animals to flower farms, there are lots to choose from depending on where you are in the world. A quick Google search will reveal some true hidden gems you may never have thought to seek out before.
Go chasing waterfalls
Hiking for the sake of hiking can become tiresome, especially with kids. But if you have something to find, it turns it into a quest that is much more exciting than just taking in the nice views. And if it’s warm enough, bring your swimwear for a dip once you get there!
Set out on a “photojournal” adventure
This is a fun one. All you need is a phone and to take a walk or hike. You can either choose to take X number of pictures of a certain thing like, five heart-shaped rocks or seven different wildflowers. Or, set a timer and every five to ten minutes, take a picture of whatever is in front of you. Compile the photos and share when you’re done!
Make your own drive-in movie theater
Did you know you can create a drive-in experience anywhere you want? All you need to do is find a projector and you can make a drive-in (or hike-in) cinema. Just set up a sheet to serve as your screen and borrow some good speakers, and it’s just like being at the movie theatre. Tell your friends, bring some popcorn and candy and enjoy your fresh air movie screening.
Create a local park pilgrimage
Like many things on this list, this microadventure can be done walking, running or cycling. Start by opening up Google maps and looking at the public green spaces near you: city parks, forest reserves and greenways. How many have you visited in person? Plan a route that links all of the unvisited places together, starting from your door.
Chase golden hour
Just like a park pilgrimage, make a list of all the places you want to see at “golden hour” this time of year. Head to a body of water one day and a mountain the next. Just make sure to give yourself enough time to get to your destination before the magic happens. Trust me, golden hour hits differently from every spot, so you’ll want to see this one through.
